It has been blowing for more than three days. Frankly, I have lost count of the days. It is cold and it has been raining a lot. The trees are beginning to turn. Up north here, summer seems to be over. The first day, we had an all-day fire in the fireplace, since then we have switched to the wood stove. In combination with Jane’s wood splitter, the stove is a much more efficient way to heat with wood. Since the storm struck, with much thunder and lightning, this blow has brought cold weather. Tonight, it is forecast to drop into the forties. The space forecast predicts that there will be northern lights tonight. It will be cold.

Here is an update on our properties:

• Monterey – Last weekend’s open house yielded zero visitors. Our realtor is going to strategize with his marketing manager and develop a plan forward. The house has been for sale for a month. So much for selling in a week.
• The Cabin – The electrician proposed a date for next week, but unfortunately, he picked the one day out of the week that we cannot host them. Back to square one. The electric company’s forester surveyed the work path and marked a number of trees for cutting. He said that we had been expedited. Otherwise, it would have been four months. The chainsaw crew is due here tomorrow, to cut the necessary trees down. Progress! 
• Saint Louis – The house is still standing. The cameras are still working. Joanie is still bringing in the mail. We are due home on Monday.